Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Nevada

Nevada authorizes temporary credentials that permit limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is finalized or, for commercial carriers, before full apportioned registration and fuel tax licensing are established.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Nevada?

In Nevada, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is ordinarily a moving permit issued for short-term use when permanent registration cannot be completed immediately. Under Nevada's authority to issue temporary moving permits, permits are valid for specific periods depending on the permit type and intended use. For vehicles being driven out of Nevada for registration in another state, a drive-away permit is valid for 30 days for a one-way trip to a designated destination. For vehicles not yet registered in Nevada, permits are valid for 30 days. For vehicles already registered in Nevada that require temporary operation, permits are valid for 10 days.

For commercial carriers, Nevada distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and credentials for oversize or overweight movements. Under Nevada commercial vehicle requirements, a vehicle subject to apportioned registration or fuel tax licensing must obtain the required permit before entering the state if full credentials are not active. Trip permits are valid for a 24-hour period or one trip in and one trip out of Nevada, whichever occurs first. Separate permits are required for oversize and overweight movements through the Nevada Department of Transportation permitting system.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been recently purchased, and a permanent Nevada registration cannot be issued immediately
• Ownership documents required for title or registration are delayed or incomplete
• A vehicle must be transported to another state for registration purposes
• A commercial vehicle enters Nevada before apportioned registration or fuel tax credentials are active
• A vehicle or load exceeds Nevada's established size or weight limitations
• A nonresident entity conducts business operations in Nevada using a motor vehicle

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Nevada

For private vehicles, Nevada permits temporary moving permits and temporary registration documentation for limited operation until permanent registration can be finalized. Applicants may obtain temporary permits through online MyDMV accounts or in person at any DMV office.

Online Moving Permits:

For vehicles already registered in Nevada that are currently active or have expired for less than 18 months, a 10-day permit may be obtained online for $1. The MyDMV portal requires an active account for the listed vehicle. Online permits are restricted to travel within Nevada only and are subject to a maximum of 90 cumulative days, regardless of permit type or issuance method.

For vehicles not yet registered in Nevada, a 30-day permit may be obtained online for $1 through the MyDMV portal under the Registration and Insurance section.

In-Person Moving Permits:

Applicants may obtain non-commercial moving permits at any DMV office or any partnered AAA office that provides DMV services by presenting proof of ownership, such as a title or expired registration.

Specific Purpose Permits:

A specific-purpose permit is available for emissions testing or private-party vehicle sales.

Special In-State Moving:

A special in-state moving permit is available for $8.50 per day for any purpose when the applicant does not qualify under specific-purpose categories.

Drive-Away Permits:

A drive-away permit is valid for 30 days flat and is designed for a one-way trip to a specific destination to drive a vehicle out of Nevada for registration in another state. The cost is $8.50.

Applicants must maintain liability insurance to drive any vehicle on Nevada public streets. Individuals who have recently purchased a vehicle may drive an unregistered vehicle for three days after the date of purchase if they carry proof of ownership or purchase and proof of liability insurance in the vehicle during operation.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Nevada

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of full credentials. Nevada recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

Trip Permits for Out-of-State Carriers:

Trip permits must be obtained before entering Nevada. Permits are issued by authorized third-party vendors or Motor Carrier Division branch offices. Trip permits are valid for a 24-hour period or one trip in and one trip out of Nevada, whichever occurs first, and are valid for Nevada intrastate movement only.

Nonresident Business Permits:

Per NRS 482.3961, a nonresident entity (not a natural person) must apply for a permit if the entity owns a vehicle subject to registration and the vehicle is operated in Nevada by an employee, contractor, or other representative for business purposes. The permit is not transferable and non-refundable. Businesses must obtain the permit within 10 days of the commencement of operations. The Nonresident Business Permit expires one year from the date of issuance.

Oversize and Overweight Permits:

Any vehicle, combination of vehicles, or load whose size or weight exceeds Nevada law must have an oversize or overweight permit. For vehicle combinations over 70 feet in length with reducible loads operating between 80,001 and 129,000 pounds, the Motor Carrier Division processes permits. For non-reducible loads exceeding 80,000 pounds, exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, exceeding 14 feet in height, or exceeding 70 feet in length, the Nevada Department of Transportation issues permits.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may require a temporary permit after purchase if a permanent Nevada plate cannot be issued immediately. Nevada provides temporary registration documentation for short-term operation, but a permit may still be necessary when documentation delays prevent immediate processing.

A commercial vehicle may require a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to apportioned registration and is not currently registered under the International Registration Plan for Nevada operations
• The vehicle is subject to fuel tax licensing through the International Fuel Tax Agreement, and valid fuel-tax licensing is not active
• The movement involves dimensions or weight exceeding Nevada's legal specifications
• A nonresident carrier conducts business operations in Nevada within 10 days of commencement

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Nevada

Where to Apply

For private vehicles, application for temporary moving permits or drive-away permits is ordinarily completed through the Nevada DMV MyDMV online portal or in person at any DMV office.

For commercial carriers, trip permits for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 to 26,001 pounds are obtained through authorized third-party permit vendors. For vehicles 26,001 pounds or greater or vehicles with three or more axles, both a registration trip permit and a fuel tax permit must be obtained from authorized vendors before entering Nevada. For nonresident business permits, applications are submitted in person at a Motor Carrier Division office.

For oversize and overweight permits, applications for non-reducible loads exceeding 80,000 pounds or exceeding dimensional restrictions are submitted to the Nevada Department of Transportation through its online permitting system or by contacting the department directly.

Documents Commonly Required

Nevada requires the following documentation, depending on the permit type and transaction:

For Private Vehicle Moving Permits:

• Proof of ownership, such as a title, expired registration, or bill of sale
• Proof of liability insurance
• Proof of Nevada residence (when required)

For Nonresident Business Permits:

Per the Application for Nonresident Business Permit (Form VP-264), the following documentation must be provided:

• Current vehicle registration from another state or jurisdiction
• Current proof of insurance
• Emission test certificate or proof that the vehicle meets exemption requirements
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or proof of business formation
• Business physical and mailing addresses

For Commercial Trip Permits:

• Current vehicle registration from another state or jurisdiction
• Current proof of insurance
• Proof of a tested emissions certificate or exemption

For Apportioned Registration:

Carriers establishing apportioned registration in Nevada must provide documented proof of an established place of business, acceptable ownership documentation, a vehicle inspection certificate, proof of sales tax payment (if applicable), proof of Nevada insurance, proof of Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax for vehicles 54,999 pounds or greater, and emissions compliance documentation for applicable jurisdictions.

Temporary Permit Fees in Nevada

Nevada publishes official fees for temporary permits through the Department of Motor Vehicles. The table below summarizes the principal permit costs:

Can a Nevada Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Nevada permits individuals to obtain temporary permits for vehicles that will be permanently licensed in another state. The drive-away permit is specifically designed for one-way interstate travel and is valid for 30 days.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid trip permit authorizes intrastate operations within Nevada, provided all applicable regulatory requirements are met. Out-of-state carriers must check the regulatory requirements of each jurisdiction in which the vehicle will operate. Trip permits issued for Nevada operations are valid only for Nevada travel, though carriers must obtain appropriate permits from other states or jurisdictions for interstate operations.

Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to separate permitting, even when registration-related credentials are valid. Oversize and overweight permits issued by the Nevada Department of Transportation are specific to routing and load configuration and do not authorize unrestricted movement.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Nevada imposes penalties for late registration, expired temporary credentials, and commercial operation without the required trip permit or credentials.

Under NRS 482.396, operation of a vehicle without a required temporary moving permit is a misdemeanor. The first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500. The second offense is punishable by a fine of up to $750. Each vehicle is considered a separate offense.

Under NRS 482.3961, operation of a vehicle subject to nonresident business permit requirements without proper credentials is a misdemeanor. The first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500. The second offense and each subsequent offense are punishable by a fine of up to $750.

Operation of a commercial vehicle without a valid registration or required trip permits is subject to penalties, including fines and potential vehicle impoundment. Failure to maintain valid insurance while operating a vehicle is a separate violation with additional penalties.

Contact Information

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (775) 684-4368
Official Website: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles